Inside Top Ten Busiest Airports in the U.S.

Traveling through the U.S. can sometimes feel like passing through a maze of terminals and concourses. Have you ever wondered which airports see the highest volume of traffic? Here’s a list of the top ten busiest airports in the U.S. for 2024. Be ready, because this is going to be a high-flying ride through America's busiest airports.

Top 10 Busiest U.S. Airports by Passenger Traffic (2023-24):

List of Top ten Busiest Airports in the United States. Have a look

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

First up is the undisputed champ, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). With a jaw-dropping 104.6 million passengers in 2023, ATL doesn’t just lead the U.S.; it dominates globally! Just imagine, more people pass through ATL in a year than the combined populations of New York City and Los Angeles.

Spanning 4,700 acres, this airport is basically a mini-city with seven concourses, 192 gates, and even a Delta Sky Club in every concourse. Atlanta (ATL) keeps the skies busy and the travelers happier with a total of 775,818 flight movements.

Why So Busy? As a massive hub for Delta Air Lines, ATL is like the ultimate pit stop for travelers. It’s no wonder ATL handles around 2,700 flights daily with over 225 destinations served by 18 airlines.

Fun Fact: ATL has the tallest air traffic control tower in North America!

Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Next, we land in the Lone Star State at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). It is the second busiest with 81.7 million passengers. This massive airport spans 17,207 acres. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) is a big transit hub with five terminals, 160 gates, and over 200 restaurants.

American Airlines calls this airport home. And a 24-hour light rail connects the terminals, making it easier to go through this huge area.

Why So Busy? DFW is the main hub for American Airlines, connecting travelers domestically and internationally with ease. It’s the gateway to just about anywhere!

Fun Fact: DFW is so large it has its own ZIP code!

Location: 2400 Aviation Dr, DFW Airport, TX 75252.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver International Airport (DEN) comes to third place with 77.8 million passengers. It is spread out over 34,000 acres. DEN is so large that it covers an area almost the size of San Francisco! It has only one terminal and three concourses.

It might look compact compared to others, but its iconic tent-like roof ensures it stands out. And we think Denver (DEN) definitely stands out on the list with its impressive size and design.

Why So Busy? As a key hub for United, Frontier, and Denver Air Connection, DEN isn’t just big—it’s the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by landmass!

Fun Fact: It’s also Colorado’s largest employer!

Location: 8500 Peña Blvd, Denver, CO 80249.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is our fourth busiest, with 75.1 million passengers passing through in 2023. Los Angeles's LAX is the major gateway to the West Coast. And it is in the midst of a renovation spree to make your travel experience even smoother. The airport, covering 2,950 acres, has nine terminals and more than 150 gates.

Although the shuttles are the current mode of terminal-to-terminal transport, a sleek electric train is in the works.

Why So Busy? LAX is a hub for Delta, American, United, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines. It’s also the world’s busiest airport for origin and destination flights.

Fun Fact: Unlike most major cities, L.A. has just one major airport—LAX handles it all!

Location: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago takes the fifth spot with 73.9 million passengers. O’Hare is a massive player in the travel game with an expansive 7,627 acres, four terminals, and 213 gates. Despite its high traffic, it’s been improving passenger experiences with new amenities like spas and a dinosaur fossil replica. It is the highlight of the airport.

Plus, this airport is a big hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, which makes it a really important link in both domestic and international travel.

Why So Busy? ORD is the world’s most connected airport, with non-stop flights to over 214 destinations.

Fun Fact: You can literally fly anywhere from O’Hare—it’s that well-connected!

Location: 10000 W O'Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, New York, ranks sixth with 62.4 million passengers. JFK’s growth of nearly 13% in the past year reflects its status as a major international gateway. It spans over 5,200 acres with five terminals and 130 gates.

Terminal 4’s art exhibit features interesting installations and aviation-themed photography. It adds a cultural touch to your travel experience.

Why So Busy? JFK is a major hub for American, Delta, and JetBlue, with over 70 airlines operating out of its terminals. It’s like a mini city with shops, restaurants, and more.

Fun Fact: JFK’s Terminal 5 has a rooftop lounge with runway views!

Location: Jamaica, Queens, NY 11430.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

With a spectacular leap from ninth to seventh place, Orlando International Airport (MCO) welcomes 57.7 million passengers. As the third-largest U.S. airport by land, MCO covers 11,605 acres and serves as a major hub for the theme park capital of the world.

Its three terminals and 96 gates cater to international travelers who are eager to visit Central Florida’s attractions. New additions like Terminal C and its new dining options, such as Sunshine Diner, make MCO a fun and convenient choice for your journey.

Why So Busy? MCO is your gateway to the magic of Orlando and beyond, with 31 airlines connecting to over 150 destinations worldwide.

Fun Fact: It’s the perfect starting point for Latin America and the Caribbean!

Location: 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827.

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, formerly McCarran International, claims eighth place with 57.6 million passengers. This airport is as lively as the city it serves.

Las Vegas (LAS) is a well-oiled machine in a city that never sleeps with its four runways, two terminals, and 110 gates spread across 2,800 acres.

Why So Busy? LAS is the go-to spot for travelers going in and out of Las Vegas, with 30 airlines in action. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 handle all the excitement.

Fun Fact: The airport has 24-hour food options—perfect for Vegas’s non-stop vibe!

Location: 5757 Wayne Newton Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina ranks ninth, handling 53.4 million passengers. This airport is the largest hub for American Airlines after Dallas with one terminal and five concourses.

Charlotte (CLT) spans 5,558 acres and it features a range of art installations and dining options like Summer House. It’s a key player in connecting the Southeast with the rest of the world.

Why So Busy? CLT is a surprise contender, but with American Airlines dominating the scene, it’s a crucial hub for military travel and more.

Fun Fact: CLT offers a range of lounges, including one just for military families

Location: 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208.